When faced with the fear and unknown of the novel coronavirus this spring, the community stepped up in the most heroic of ways—with everyone playing a role in the fight against COVID-19.
Through the CentraState Healthcare Foundation, businesses and organizations donated personal protective equipment (PPE), while local community members took to their sewing machines and 3D printers to make these much-needed items. Neighbors and restaurants donated food, snacks, and nonperishables to fuel up the CentraState team and recovering patients. And those who practiced social distancing lessened the burden placed on hospital staff by staying home when they could, helping to flatten the curve.
When CentraState sterile processing manager Cathiann Volker-Lutz (second from left) walked into The Home Depot of Marlboro as the coronavirus crisis unfolded, store manager Tracey Burke (right) and her team sprang into action. They repeatedly filled carts and pallets with PPE and cleaning supplies—spray bottles, sterile gowns, goggles, and more—free of charge. The Home Depot team also donated construction materials to help CentraState’s facilities team build temporary spaces for patient care. Cathiann and Tracey are pictured with fellow team members of The Home Depot Mary Ellen Demick (far left) and William Ryan (second from right).
High Technology High School Student Isaac Buckman took action in a bold way: he made 200 masks and six face shields with his personal 3D printer and sewing machine—all without taking a break for a full 24 hours.
This picture—drawn by the daughter of CentraState critical care intensivist Nirav N. Shah, DO—hangs on the walls of our critical care unit.
Freehold Regional High School District donated an incredible stockpile of supplies during a time of critical need. Superintendent Charles Sampson, EdD (center), and the buildings/grounds team provided 15,000 gloves, 150 gowns, 180 goggles, 40 N95 masks, and boxes of alcohol prep pads and disposable wipes. Superintendent Sampson is pictured with Sean Boyce, assistant superintendent for business and finance (left) and Pat Lagravanis, director of buildings and grounds (right).
Laboratory clinical director Linda Pacetti and Paul Simon, DO, medical director of CentraState’s pathology department (both above), conducted in-house testing for COVID-19.
Congressman Chris Smith and his team worked tirelessly to help expedite COVID-19 test results for patients at CentraState. He was essential in providing the laboratory team with resources to prepare for in-house testing, and he helped to secure a lead for ventilators when needed. State Senator Vin Gopal was instrumental in facilitating and acquiring donations of PPE, tests, and ready-to-eat meals to support CentraState patients, employees, and clinicians.
Some of the most valuable gifts received were from the heart: inspiring messages and uplifting words helped raise the spirits of CentraState’s staff through the most challenging of times. Through CentraState’s social media profiles, followers had the opportunity to see the stories of the hospital’s fearless staff, while leaving comments filled with gratitude and support. Click here to view our feeds.
